OLYMPIA – Recreational spot shrimp fishing will open May 14 in Puget Sound under seasons announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

This year’s Puget Sound shrimp fishing seasons are generally similar to those in 2015 although quotas will be lower in some areas, said Mark O’Toole, a shellfish biologist for WDFW.

“Last year, we had a higher turnout than anticipated in south Puget Sound, where we’ve typically seen very little fishing effort,” O’Toole said. “For that reason, Marine Area 13 is scheduled to be open only four days in 2016.”

O’Toole noted that other areas, such as Marine Area 7 South, will have longer seasons in 2016.

As the department announced in January, all seasons will start one week later than usual, on Saturday, May 14, due to extremely low tides on the first Saturday in May.

Puget Sound recreational shrimp season opening days are:

Hood Canal Shrimp District (Marine Area 12): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 14, 18, 28 and 30.

Discovery Bay Shrimp District (Marine Area 6): Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14, 18, 28 and 30.

Marine areas 8-1, 8-2, and 9: Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14 and May 18.

Marine areas 10 and 11: Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14.

Marine Area 13: Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14, 18, 21 and 31.

In areas 4, 5, 6, and 7 (East, South and West) start times will be one hour before sunrise.

Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains after the initial fishing days scheduled above. For the latest information on sport shrimp seasons, or for a description of marine areas, visit WDFW’s Recreational Shrimp Fishing website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/shrimp/

Also known as prawns, spot shrimp are the largest shrimp in Puget Sound and may grow up to nine inches in length. In all areas of Puget Sound, fishers are limited to 80 spot shrimp per day. A valid 2016-17 fishing license is required to participate in the fishery.